Sarah Carlson, the Artistic Director of DanceLink, teams up with composer Vernon J. Mobley to explore the spectrum of trauma in a program inspired by Bessel van der Kolk's well-known text of the same name.

“The Body Keeps the Score” will use movement, music and text to unpack the idea that trauma must be addressed on an individual body level first before greater communal (or “big body”) change can follow. “The impact of trauma affects the lives of so many of us,” states Carlson. “It interrupts our ability to be present, to function and most tragically, to connect authentically with others. Most of us aren’t even aware of how traumatic residue is affecting our lives.”

Carlson and Mobley previously worked together on “What Lies Within”, a project about racial injustice, and hence they are particularly interested in the cycle of trauma caused by oppression. “Trauma caused by oppression is the most insidious,” muses Mobley. “Belittlement or abuse at the hands of another is never justified, but when you consider the perpetrator can often be acting out from a foundation of trauma sometimes generations in the making, it makes you think.”

A panel discussion led by Rebecca Glassman, a Direct Services Supervisor for the Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley, will be held following the Saturday matinee performance to discuss the major themes of the show and promote awareness of community resources.